3 August 2006

Her Royal Highness Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein, WFP’s Goodwill Ambassador, and James Morris, Executive Director of WFP, will make a one-day visit to Syria on Friday to meet Lebanese refugees who have fled the crisis in Lebanon.

Her Royal Highness Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein, WFP’s Goodwill Ambassador, and James Morris, Executive Director of WFP, will make a one-day visit to Syria on Friday to meet Lebanese refugees who have fled the crisis in Lebanon.

On Monday (31 July), WFP started distributing food aid to nearly 7,000 Lebanese people who have taken refuge in the Syrian capital, Damascus over the last two weeks.

WFP will distribute three tons of bread each day to the beneficiaries who are living in schools or abandoned public buildings.

Projections

Current projections suggest the number of refugees needing food aid in Damascus could rise to 20,000 people in the coming days. Distributions of food aid are due to begin shortly in central and northern Syria.

WFP operations within the UN flash appeal have been budgeted at a total of US$48 million, including logistical support and an emergency operation to provide food aid, valued at US$8.9 million, to respond to the immediate food needs of displaced Lebanese.

WFP is prioritising assistance to 95,000 displaced people seeking shelter in schools and public institutions in Beirut, 165,000 people in the heaviest-hit areas in southern Lebanon and 50,000 of the approximately 140,000 people in Syria who have fled the conflict.

On his first visit to Syria, Morris will also be meeting government officials.

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Hunger can be eliminated in our lifetimes

This requires comprehensive efforts to ensure that every man, woman and child enjoy their Right to Adequate Food; women are empowered; priority is given to family farming; and food systems everywhere are sustainable and resilient.